Forestry

Established in 1947 during the "Semaine internationale du Peuplier" organized by the French Government. The Conference, at its Tenth Session (1959), approved a convention placing the Commission within the framework of FAO. The Convention came into force on 26 September 1961. The Convention was amended at the Second Special Session of the Commission (1967) with the subsequent approval of the Conference at its Fourteenth Session (1967). At its Third Special Session (1977), the Commission adopted additional amendments with the subsequent approval of the Conference at its Nineteenth Session (1977).

To study the scientific, technical, social and economic aspects of poplar and willow cultivation; to promote the exchange of ideas and material between research workers, producers and users; to arrange joint research programmes; to stimulate the organization of congresses combined with study tours; to report and make recommendations to the FAO Conference through the Director-General, and to make recommendations to National Poplar Commissions through the Director-General and the Governments concerned (Article III of the Convention).

Membership

Member Nations or Associate Members of the Organization as accept the Convention in accordance with Article XIII thereof. The Commission may, by a two-thirds majority of its Membership, admit to Membership such other Nations that are Members of the United Nations, any of its Specialized Agencies or the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Sessions of the Commission are also open to observers from Member Nations of FAO that, without being Members of the Commission, may indicate their wish to attend the Session on account of their interest in poplar and willow culture.